Avendra Expands Golf/Business Club Division to Focus on 10 Billion USD Market

Avendra is the leading independent procurement services company for hospitality and related industries, estimated to spend $80 billion annually. Avendra helps customers buy the right products and services for their operations, at the right price, and represents the most comprehensive procurement offering available to these industries.

"Golf courses and clubs benefit from the combined purchasing strength of all of Avendra's programs and also from the specialized knowledge and experience of our staff in the club and food industries," said Dennis Baker, president and chief operating officer of Avendra. "Our in-depth understanding of the industry will help customers find products and services tailored to their needs, at attractive prices."

Avendra has named John Maier as vice president of sales to lead the Golf and Business Club Division. Avendra also named Mark Thush director of strategic contracting for club, retail and grounds maintenance.

Maier brings more than 17 years of experience in golf and food distribution to Avendra. Most recently, Maier served as vice president of Professional Golf Commerce, an e-commerce venture serving the pro shop industry. Thush joins Avendra with more than 10 years experience in the golf and retail fields, most of which was with the prestigious Pebble Beach Company.

"John and Mark have first-hand experience with the entire range of purchasing issues that face the club industry everyday. Our customers will benefit from their first-hand experience and deep understanding of the club market, and more importantly find new ways to improve service to their members through the extensive Avendra network of programs, products and services," said Baker.

One of Avendra's founders, and a leader in the club market is ClubCorp, Inc. Jim Hinckley, chief operating officer for ClubCorp, said, "Avendra is poised to help the golf and club industry to attain cost controls while maintaining quality and membership satisfaction. With ClubCorp's golf expertise, Avendra's extensive food and beverage program, and the additional experience of John and Mark, Avendra has a compelling story to tell to every club operator."

Clubs signing up as Avendra customers gain access to Avendra's portfolio of products and services, supported by nearly 500 suppliers representing over 700,000 items. Avendra's customer base now represents over 1,800 hotels and clubs, and over 375,000 lodging rooms. A recent addition is The Country Club at Castle Pines, located in Castle Rock, Colo.

"Avendra ensures our members receive the best goods at the best possible prices so our club management can focus on member care-not sourcing products and negotiating prices," said Robert McKirahan, general manager of club operations for The Country Club at Castle Pines. "Through Avendra, we have access to the goods and services that fit our special club needs."

Avendra offers established purchasing programs to the hospitality and related industries. Programs available to customers include golf and ground maintenance, food and beverage, rooms operating supplies, engineering and energy, building and construction, technology and telecommunications, administrative, financial and professional services, retail and spa, and furniture, fixtures and equipment. Avendra helps operators to meet their financial needs, streamline their purchasing function, and provide a consistent, high quality product to their customers.

In addition, Avendra offers its customers the flexibility to conduct their procurement business through a variety of methods, be it phone, fax, or the Internet. Avendra's unique combination of operational expertise, scale, supply chain management skills, and leading e-commerce technology supplied by GoCo-op provide customers with proven programs that work in demanding hospitality venues.

AVENDRA LLC is a leading professional procurement services company serving the North American hospitality market and related industries. An independent company, Avendra was established by Marriott International, Inc., Hyatt Hotels Corporation, ClubCorp USA, Inc., Bass Hotels & Resorts, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. By combining the significant volume of its customers' purchases with the operational knowledge and expertise of its experienced staff, Avendra creates purchasing programs that offer its customers the right product and service at highly competitive prices. Customers choose their preferred method for transactions including by phone, fax or via the Internet using technology supplied by GoCo-op, located in Maitland, Florida. The company is headquartered at 702 King Farm Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850 and has regional offices throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, please call toll free, 866-AVENDRA, or e-mail inquiries to [email protected].

Note: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities law, including statements concerning business strategies and their intended results, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the significant uncertainties raised by the launch of a new, independent enterprise; the integration of the existing procurement operations into the enterprise, risks involved in technological obsolescence, uncertainty involving business development efforts, the effects of economic conditions; supply and demand changes and competitive conditions in the hospitality and internet-enabled procurement services industries; relationships with clients and property owners; the impact of government regulations, and the availability of capital to finance growth, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.

SOURCE: Avendra LLC